SG FOUNDING FATHER (SERIES 1) (1965 5G INDEPENDENT DAY) (YEAR 2015)

Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a British colony. This was distinct from its earlier probable use as a port in ancient times during the Srivijaya and Majapahit eras, and later, as part of Melaka and Johor.

Singapore's name comes from 'Singa Pura' which means Lion City in Sanskrit. According to the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), a Sumatran prince called Sang Nila Utama landed on Temasek (Singapore's old name) and saw a Lion which is called 'Singa' in Malay. Thus he gave the island a new name, 'Singapura'.

Singapore became part of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 following a merger with Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak. The merger was thought to benefit the economy by creating a common, free market, and to improve Singapore's internal security. However, it was an uneasy union.

On 9 August 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to become an independent and sovereign state. The separation was the result of deep political and economic differences between the ruling parties of Singapore and Malaysia, which created communal tensions that resulted in racial riots in July and September 1964.

Independent Singapore was admitted to the United Nations on 21 September 1965, and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations on 15 October 1965. On 22 December 1965, it became a republic, with Yusof bin Ishak as the republic's first President.

Thereafter commenced Singapore's struggle to survive and prosper on its own. It also had to create a sense of national identity and consciousness among a disparate population of immigrants. Singapore's strategy for survival and development was essentially to take advantage of its strategic location and the favourable world economy.

Heart-warming Reverse Design

The 'Our Founding Father' gold Medallion design portrays an image of our Founding Father with outline of buildings as the background. The design also includes the inscription “OUR FOUNDING FATHER" and the Medallion’s weight.

Obverse Design

The Medallion’s obverse bears the inscription of our company’s icon, name, concept, homepage address, as well as the Medallion’s fineness.

999.9 Pure gold

The image of Our Founding Father is embossed on a 1oz 999.9 pure gold Medallion.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each Medallion is accompanied by a numbered Certification of Authenticity.